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Versant

Automated language tests for recruitment, training, and placement.

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  • Overview
  • Test types
  • Score report
  • Test experience
  • Resources for test takers
Versant measures a variety of language skills and competencies anywhere, at any time, using patented AI technology to help your organisation set a global standard level of communication – and get a view on language proficiency fast.

Tests for Speaking, Writing, Listening, Reading skills

Available 24/7 – no appointment needed

Used in over 100 countries

Scored 350 million tests since 1996

How Versant can help your business

Maximize ROI with flexible testing

Versant can be administered any time, on demand, on any device, anywhere in the world, and scored automatically within minutes.

Score objectively without bias

Versant reliably measures core language skills, without the influence of interviewer mood, cultural knowledge, or likes/dislikes.

Reduce recruitment costs and mistake hires

Versant allows you to accurately identify people with below-par communication skills and screen them out during the recruitment process.

English levels around the world

Our research team analyzed scores from Versant test takers in nine key regions throughout the world. Download our Global Snapshot of English Proficiency report to learn about the speaking and writing levels in these areas and how they have changed over time.

Download the report

versant global snapshot report

Quickly and easily evaluate your employees

All Versant tests are available for online or offline testing. They also utilize random test forms to prevent cheating. 

Versant Speaking Test

  • 15 minutes
  • 63 questions
  • 6 task types: reading, sentence builds, repeats, story retelling, short answer questions, open questions

Product info sheet

Versant Writing Test

  • 35 minutes
  • 42 questions
  • 5 task types: typing, sentence completion, dictation, passage reconstruction, e-mail writing

Product info sheet

Versant 4 Skills Test

  • 30 minutes
  • 70 questions
  • 6 task types: repeats, sentence completion, sentence builds, dictation, conversations, passage reconstruction

Product info sheet

Versant English Placement Test

  • 50 minutes
  • 81 questions
  • 9 task types: read aloud, sentence completion, repeat, dictation, sentence builds, passage reconstruction, conversations, summary & opinion, typing

Product info sheet

Versant Professional English Test

  • 60 minutes
  • 58 questions
  • 10 task types: sentence completion, passage reconstruction, reading comprehension, e-mail writing, dictation, response selection, passage comprehension, repeat, speaking situations, story retellings

Product info sheet

Not sure which test is best fit for your needs?

See comparison chart

Talk to our team

Detailed diagnostics to drive better decisions

Score reports are automatically generated using Pearson’s patented AI scoring system after a candidate completes a test. 

The technology predicts how expert human interviewers would score a test, allowing for instant, unbiased results within minutes of completion.

The reports provide:

  • At-a-glance view of overall communicative proficiency. 
  • Detailed descriptions of candidate’s performance in each skill, and suggestions on how to improve.
  • Score alignment to Global Scale of English (GSE) and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). 

See a score report example.

Test administration and data at your fingertips

Organisations have access to an all in one test management platform, which enables you to easily:

  • Set controls on what candidate data is captured
  • Set passing scores
  • Flexibly group candidates according to business requirements
  • Distribute tests, results and certificates
  • Analyze individual and aggregate test performance data

Talk to our team

Candidates can take the test anytime anywhere

Versant gives you the power to run testing according to your schedule and your needs.

Website delivery

Candidates can take any Versant test online via desktop or laptop.

Mobile app delivery

Candidates can use our mobile app to take the Versant spoken test from anywhere, with or without service.

Remote monitoring

For additional security and confidence in recruitment, the remote monitoring option uses AI to verify candidate identity and flag suspicious behaviour when testing offsite.

Software delivery

Securely test your candidates onsite and offline with our software-based delivery option. 

Official practice tests

Individuals looking to prepare for their upcoming Versant exam can now purchase official practice tests directly from us.

Practice versions for the following tests are now available: Versant English Test, Versant Writing Test, Versant English Placement Test, and Versant 4 Skills Essential Test. 

Purchase now

Resources page

  • Official Test Guides: Available for our core English tests, these guides walk through each question type and provide tips and strategies for answering.
  • Real test-taker samples: Audio and written samples from three different test levels will help give learners a sense of how their skills might stack up.
  • Scored practice tests: Links to buy full-length practice tests are available throughout the resources page in case extra preparation is needed.
  • Interactive demo tests: Coming soon! 

Go to the resources page

Exclusive tips clinics

A new series of short 5-10-minute on-demand webinars led by our testing experts. In these clinics, test takers can get insider tips and information about the test and receive a coupon to buy a practice test. Four clinics are available now, and new ones will be added every couple weeks. 

Access the tips clinics

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